Student suspended for year after hugging teacher

DULUTH, Ga. (CBS NEWS) -- A high school senior won't graduate on time after beingsuspended for one year for hugging a teacher.

CBS Affiliate WGCL reports that a hearing officer at DuluthHigh School found that the boy violated the Gwinnett County Public Schools'rules on sexual harassment.

Surveillance camera video captured Sam McNair, 17, enteringa room, placing his arms around the back and front of the teacher and tuckinghis head behind her neck.

The teacher alleged in a discipline report that McNair's cheeksand lips touched the back of her neck and cheek, according to WGCL.

The 17-year-old denied he sexually harassed his teacher or thathe kissed her. He said he has hugged his teachers many times before, including this one, and hasnever been warned about doing so. WGCL reports McNair has previous suspensions, but nonefor sexual harassment.

However, the teacher alleged in the discipline report thatshe warned McNair about giving teachers hugs and that they were inappropriate,the station reported.

The boy'smother, April McNair, was shocked when the district told her that her son wassuspended for giving a hug.She told WGCL that the district should have notified her priorto taking any action that could jeopardize his college plans.

"He's a senior,"April McNair said. "He plays football, getting ready for lacrosse. And you'restripping him of even getting a full scholarship for athletics for college."

A spokesperson for Gwinnet County Public Schools would notcomment on the case specifically, but said in a statement that "hearingofficers consider witness testimony, a review of the known facts, and a student'spast disciplinary history . . . when determining consequences."

Sam McNair (who says he and his mom are both huggers) told WGCL's Jeff Chirico he does not think thathe should be punished for a hug. "You never know what someone's going through.I hug might help. But in this case it hurt, right?"

A districtspokesperson couldn't comment on the case but says parents can appeal thedecision to the school board.